Jeremie Frimpong: New Liverpool star thanks Netherlands teammates for Arne Slot tip | OneFootball

The Netherlands international was keen to play under his countryman after discussing the move with Feyenoord players

Jeremie Frimpong insisted that the opportunity to work with Arne Slot was a driving factor in his decision to sign for Liverpool.

The full-back’s switch from Bayer Leverkusen to Merseyside was confirmed on Friday after the Reds triggered his £29.5million release clause.

Frimpong, 24, has signed a five-year contract, keeping him at Anfield through 2030. He is seen as a like-for-like replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joined Real Madrid ahead of the Club World Cup for £10m.

On signing, Frimpong described the move as a ‘no-brainer’, but added that his Netherlands teammates helped him to make his decision, some of whom played under Liverpool manager Arne Slot while at Feyenoord.

On signing, Frimpong said: “I’m really excited [to work with Arne Slot]. Even when I was at [the] national team, some of the Feyenoord boys would tell me about him and be like, ‘He’s the best coach I’ve ever had.’ Things like this.

“So, I’ve always heard good things about the coach. Now he’s going to be my coach, so I’m excited for that.”

He continued, saying he was easily convinced after hearing Slot discuss his plans for the team.

“I spoke to the manager a few times. He sounds very positive. He says I can bring a lot of energy and my qualities, my speed.

“Especially when a manager is talking positively about you, it gives you very good confidence that he believes in you. I’ve had good conversations with him.”

Attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz is expected to follow Frimpong from Leverkusen to Liverpool later this summer after the Reds reportedly submitted a £109.4m bid for the player on Friday. That sum would mark a club record transfer if it were accepted.

Head coach Alonso also joined the Leverkusen exodus this month, taking over from Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid to cap a dismal opening to the window for the club.

Frimpong’s squad number is yet to be confirmed.